The second batch of 548 pilgrims from Kwara State has returned to Ilorin, the state capital, after successfully performing the 2025 Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims, along with one participant from Ondo State and three accompanying officials, were conveyed by Max Airline and arrived at the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, at precisely 7:01 p.m.

Leading the group were three state officials; Alhaja Khadijat Kuburat Abtawiy, Alhaji Abdullahi Kawu-Shuaib, and Hajia Sanni Ramat from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Ekwutosblog had earlier reported the return of the first batch of 558 pilgrims on Saturday, bringing the total number of Kwara pilgrims who have returned from the Holy Land to 1,106.

Meanwhile, the Max Airline aircraft that transported the pilgrims back to Nigeria departed the Tunde Idiagbon International Airport at approximately 8:52 p.m.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Niger State, Bulus Yohanna, has condemned the practice of treating widows as property to be shared among relatives of their deceased husbands.

Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, made the remarks on Monday in Minna during the 2025 International Widows’ Day celebration, organised by the Women Wing of CAN in the state.

He was represented at the event by his deputy, Rev. Joshua Marcus.

The Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese in Taraba State, Most Rev. Dr. Charles Hammawa, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to take decisive action against the perpetrators of the recent mass killings in Yelwata, Guma local government council of Benue State.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Jalingo, Bishop Hammawa lamented the continued bloodshed in Benue despite repeated appeals and high profile visits, including President Tinubu’s recent condolence visit to the state.

“It is disheartening that despite repeated appeals and visits by top government officials, the killings continue unabated. The people of Benue and the entire Middle Belt are not just statistics. They are fellow Nigerians deserving of protection, dignity, and peace,” Hammawa said

While acknowledging the President’s condolence visit, the bishop stressed that words alone are no longer sufficient.

“We appreciate the President’s visit, but condolences and promises, no matter how sincere, are not enough. What is urgently needed is visible, concrete action and a comprehensive strategy to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace in the affected communities,” he stated.

The bishop condemned the massacre in Yelwata and neighboring communities, where over 100 people, including women, children, and the elderly, were reportedly killed. He expressed the Church’s solidarity with the victims and their families.

“In this painful moment, we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Benue. We offer our heartfelt prayers for the souls of the departed, healing for the injured, and comfort for grieving families,” he added.

Hammawa further called on security agencies and all relevant authorities to act with courage, compassion and a firm commitment to justice.

“The state must not abdicate its responsibility. The culture of impunity must end. Those who have committed crimes against humanity must be held accountable, regardless of their identity or affiliation,” he declared.

The cleric also urged religious leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to rise above division and unite in the pursuit of peace and justice.